The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) gave the citation to Bulacan, represented by Vice Gov. Rely Plamenco during the 31st Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held last Thursday at the Manila Hotel.
The award was presented by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and PCCI president Ambassador Donald G. Dee.
Governor Josie Mendoza-Dela Cruz, who is now in a trade mission in Italy, has expressed her appreciation for PCCI’s recognition of the province’s efforts to formulate the most acceptable and impressive policies and programs for existing and potential investors, both local and foreign.
Governor Dela Cruz said the recognition speaks well of the high level of trust earned by the province from the business community.
She said that the citation is one of the most prestigious awards the province has received because the business community is among the most critical and fastidious group and partner of the government. But the province’s programs geared toward creating a favorable environment for jumpstarting or expanding businesses has met its high standards.
The PCCI has recognized the province as most business friendly for the second time. The first was in 2004.
This year, PCCI selected Bulacan for the award after it edged out other provinces in demonstrating effective leadership through continued and sustained efforts to promote trade, investment and tourism in the locality as well as fostering close relationship not only with the private sector but also with other local government units in the province.
The province is also noted for its investment-promotion program, particularly its trade and investment center which attends to the needs of future investors. It likewise has a set of special services that include easy access to funds and training of personnel, an investment incentive ordinance, trade missions and other trade and investment activities, and business security initiatives.
For tourism promotion, PCCI looked into the presence of a tourist information and assistance center, environmental protection, business advisory services and marketing plan.
Jovito Saguinsin, head of the Provincial Cooperative and Economic Development Office that handles investment promotion and tourism affairs here, said Bulacan has met all the criteria set by PCCI.
For several years, the business assistance and promotion division has been providing investment promotion, investment servicing and facilitation, network linkage research and data banking and information services.
The province continues to implement a system called ISPEED (Investment Simplified Process to Expedite and Effect Documents) that reduces red tape in securing business licenses and permits.
It also grants tax incentives to business entities that meet the requirements provided for by the Provincial Investment Incentive Code.
